in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
mid-division, headway over 2f out, went 2nd well over 1f out, led inside final furlong, pushed out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
tracked leaders and keen, went 2nd briefly 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
in rear, ridden over 1f out, some headway but never troubled leaders
slowly into stride, held up, ridden 4f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden and hung badly right from over 2f out, soon lost place
led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, soon held
towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong but never going pace to challenge
always prominent, ridden well over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up, always behind
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
A real toughie for punters here. Barry Hills pair Azeema and Danehill Kikin look likely candidates whilst Apple Blossom and Passing Hour have shown promise in their runs to date. The vote goes to Azeema. Despite being slow away and running green, the selection finished like a train three weeks ago on debut and is entitled to come on plenty for that run. He cannot afford a slow start today, but he has a good draw and can continue his trainer's excellent record in this race (won it twice in last three years). Stablemate Danehill Kikin deserves respect and should be monitored in the market for support returning from his winter break. Dandy Nicholls Maia ran a good debut last month and has claims if benefiting from that run, whilst Passing Hour shaped with plenty of promise last year. The extra furlong today should help and if fit enough he should go well, although his wide draw may hinder. Apple Blossom is similarly drawn but ran a cracker last time out and must enter calculations. To Party represents an in-from stable but will need to improve on last year's efforts, and so we will return to Azeema as the selection.
Apple Blossom (IRE) 25-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, driven to challenge over 1f out, kept on, not reached winner, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Provost (8-11) at Yarmouth 1m mdn stk (5) gf in Apr.
Azeema (IRE) 18-1 (9-0) Slowly away, in rear, not clear from over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, 6th of 16, 9l behind Promising Lead (9-0) at Newbury 7f 3yo mdn fll (4) gf in Apr.
Caluba Daggers Drawn filly, half-sister to winning miler Zonnebeke.
Celeb Style (IRE) Tagula filly, sister to winning sprinter Red Millennium, half-sister to 5f-7f winner Regal Dream.
Danehill Kikin (IRE) 10-1 (8-12) 5th of 10, 6l behind Sandrey (9-3) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Grethel (IRE) 66-1 (8-9) Took keen hold, held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, no impression, 8th of 10, 15l behind Hohlethelonely (8-12) at Musselburgh 1m 2yo mdn (4) gs in Nov.
Lady Zia (IRE) Dilshaan filly, half-sister to 7f winner Fadeela.
Maia 8-1 (8-12) Behind, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1/2l behind Jack Rackham (9-3) at Thirsk 5f 3yo mdn (5) frm in Apr.
Medicea Sidera 66-1 (8-12) Never better than mid-division, 7th of 14, 14l behind Mutanaseb (9-3) at Kempton 7f 3yo mdn (5) std.
Medici Pearl 25-1 (8-3) Dwelt, soon behind, ridden over 3f out, headway on inside over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Captain Jacksparra (8-13) at Southwell 6f mdn stk (5) fbs in Mar.
Passing Hour (USA) 11-2 (9-0) Taken right leaving stalls, ran green in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 5th of 8, 5l behind Italian Girl (9-0) at Ascot 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Pixie Princess (IRE) Imperial Ballet filly, half-sister to 7f-1m winner European Dream.
To Party (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 11, 9l behind Dodge City (9-3) at Goodwood 6f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept.
Terandeil 20-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, behind, never dangerous, 11th of 15, 14l behind A Big Sky Brewing (9-0) at Pontefract 6f mdn stk (5) gf in Apr.
